Best Self-Improvement Books

The Best Self-Improvement Books to Make Your Life More Successful

When it comes to any aspect of your life, there is always room for improvement. Whether you want to better the relationships around you or become more motivated to hit the gym, self-improvement is a positive way to make a lasting change in your life.

We have compiled a list of 20 of the best self-improvement books to make your life more successful that are perfect for anyone interested in developing their personal and professional skills. The books listed below (no particular order) include tips and techniques for both motivation and self-improvement.

1. Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy

Procrastination. We’ve all experienced it. In Brian Tracy’s book on effective time management, you will learn the decision-making skills, discipline, and determination needed to succeed. Most people live by a to-do list that never actually gets completed. The most successful people in the world don’t even do everything. Instead, they focus on the most significant tasks that will have the greatest impact. This self-improvement book will guide you into making the most out of your time, and even includes methods to stop technology from taking over.

2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō

Do you find yourself getting lost in the chaos of your home? Or are you simply looking to stay more organized? If so, cleaning expert Marie Kondō has created a guide that will tidy up your house and keep it that way. Through her category system of getting your house under control, the results will last. This will leave you with a clearer home and mind.

3. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

Angela Duckworth describes “grit” as the difference between people who persevere and succeed. She believes that it’s courage and not talent or genius that leads to a lifetime of achievement. From cadets struggling through their first year at West Point to young contestants in the National Spelling Bee, readers get a clear understanding of what it means to be gritty. The most important message to take away from this motivational book is that ultimately what you achieve is based on your effort, not how you were born.

4. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Whether you pick up a physical copy or listen to it, this book is a popular choice around the world. Rhonda Byrne reveals inside techniques using positive thinking and attraction to change your life. You will discover how to use “The Secret” to improve all aspects of your existence, including happiness, well-being relationships, and finances. This will help you tap into powers within that you didn’t know existed, and use them to create bliss.

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5. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Subtitle: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

This is a fun read for anyone who feels like they might be in a slump or focusing on the wrong things in life. Gretchen Rubin takes you inside her life and how she dedicated a year of her life to creating joy. Rubin tests out different popular cultures, scientific research, and social anecdotes to become happier. On her journey, she discovered how small changes, thoughtfully spent money, and relationships can impact her overall being.

6. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

From relationship help to improving your career, this title graces countless top book lists. Dale Carnegie’s how to is a classic self-improvement book for those who want to make life work for them. He deems it as “the only book you need to lead you to success,” with its guidance to make people like you and change your thinking habits.

7. The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health by John Durant

The Paleo Diet has been gaining popularity over the past few years, and for interesting reasons. John Durant believes that for humans to thrive, they should revert to sleeping, dieting, and even moving as they would in their natural habitat. With the rise of depression, diabetes, and other major health issues, the Paleo movement shows you how to prevent these conditions with simple habits.

8. Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations by Seth Godin

Seth Godin has turned his daily blogs into another favorite book that focuses on the way we think about creativity, jobs, relationships, and much more. His writing is both inspirational and entertaining as he weaves through personal stories and lessons on how to achieve your dreams.

9. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

You can’t have a self-improvement list without this timeless piece by Napoleon Hill. Written by Hill in the 1930s, this book still holds key truths today about growing rich both mentally and materially. It includes detailed steps from the planning stages all the way to accomplishing your goals.

10. An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield

Subtitle: What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything

How many astronauts have both traveled outer space and written a quality self-improvement book? Not many. Chris Hadfield’s guide stands out as he helps you change the way you think, while also revealing his personal experience training and exploring space. This insight will shift the way you place yourself in the world.

11. Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success by John C. Maxwell

In his book, John C. Maxwell discusses why certain people succeed and others fail. He connects failure with moving forward in life. If you don’t know how to come back from a letdown or are too afraid to encounter it, then you will never be on the path to achievement. The most successful people use their disappointments and respond to it in a positive and constructive way.

12. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Another classic on our list is this guide on spiritual enlightenment. Tolle helps you reawaken your mind and takes you on a transcendent journey. Through this book, you will become more at peace with yourself as you discover the truth within your being. Ultimately, Tolle will lead you to grow both personally and spiritually.

13. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns

All those feelings of depression, anxiety, low-self esteem, and any other harmful conditions can be treated without drugs. With the guidance of psychiatrist David Burns, you will follow techniques to increase your positivity and improve your outlook on life. You will learn how to recognize the causes of your hostile feelings and mood swings, erase negativity, and strengthen your self-esteem.

14. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen. R. Covey

This is another selection that would be ideal for those looking to succeed in furthering their education or improving their business. Covey created a guide to shifting the way you think about yourself, others, and the world so that you can become completely active in your life.

15. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

While being a “people person” is an excellent way to create relationships and succeed in life, these extroverted actions aren’t ideal for everyone. Most self-improvement books will guide you to being social and showcasing your talents, but what about the introverts? Susan Cain perfectly executes what it’s like to be an introvert and how to achieve using their nature.

16. The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

This book leans mostly towards those looking to start their own business or make a change in their career. Tim Ferriss shows you how to ditch the traditional 9-5 job routine and create a lifestyle that you can enjoy. It’s a step-by-step guide on how to free up your time while making money.

17. The Breakout Principle by Herbert Benson

Subtitle: How to Activate the Natural Trigger That Maximizes Creativity, Athletic Performance, Productivity, and Personal Well-Being

In his book, Herbert Benson uses simple methods to help improve your performance and understanding in different scenarios. He guides you into turning your stress into a way to succeed, which will both enhance and enrich all aspects of your life.

18. The Road Less Traveled, Timeless Edition by M. Scott Peck

Subtitle: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

With a timeless voice, M. Scott Peck discovers how relationships and love can lead to a more fulfilled life. He explains how to separate dependency from love so that you can grow into a more attentive parent, thoughtful lover, and self-aware human.

19. The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem: The Definitive Work on Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden

Nathaniel Branden provides six different exercises to include in your daily life so that you can improve your self-esteem in parenting, schooling, culture, and the workplace. This great self-improvement book is also a guide for those already in the role of developing other’s self-esteem such as counselors, teachers, and parents. These methods will show you why self-worth is so important in achievement, strong relationships, personal happiness, and mental health.

20. Almost Adulting: All You Need to Know to Get It Together (Sort Of) by Arden Rose

For those fresh into the real world that are trying to figure out what it means to be an adult or even grown-ups having a crisis, this is the best self-improvement book for you. This is a fun read composed of different artwork, lists, essays, and personal tips. You will walk away from this book knowing different methods on how to pass for a functioning adult.

Best Self-Improvement Books – Conclusion

No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to make a change and improve yourself. Pick up one of these self-improvement books on our list to get you started on a path to achievement and positivity.

If you are not sure where to start, then simply start with some of the classics such as “The Secret”, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” and “The Power of Now.” From diets and career help to finding your spiritual center, there is something useful for anyone to discover and improve their lives and success.

Have you got any tips? Please share your list of the best self-improvement books of 2021 in the comments below.